Is It Right For You?
Responsible dog ownership begins well before
acquiring a puppy,
with careful research to select the breed that is just right for your needs and expectations. If
you want a Havanese
because you are looking for a dog which is small, long haired, low-shedding, sweet, gentle, good
with children,
intelligent, easy to train and lovingly devoted to its family;
the Havanese may be
the perfect dog for you. Are you considering the Havanese because someone in the family has
asthma or allergies? A
Havanese is perhaps a good choice. On the
other hand if you
want a Havanese just because you think they are cute; then think again and do your homework.
A starting spot is internet research. Many websites have on-line quizzes to help you determine which breeds are best for you. Once the quiz is completed, your answers will be compiled into a list of breeds and possibly a percentage match. The top 5-10 breeds are the ones that you may wish to investigate as potential additions to your family. The more honest you are in answering the questions, the more accurate the results will be. Remember that these are only guidelines and a starting point for further research, and not specific breed recommendations.
As well, you should check out your local library or book store. There are a number of excellent books available. Here are a few titles to get you started:THE PERFECT MATCH:A Dog Buyers Guide, YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY, CHOOSING A DOG FOR LIFE, COMPLETE DOG BUYERS GUIDE and GUIDE TO A HEALTHY HAPPY PUPPY.
The commitments of time and finances in owning a dog are very real. Do you have the time to spend with a dog every day? Do you enjoy having a furry friend shadowing your every step? Havanese are first and foremost companion dogs. They need and thrive on human companionship. They are not a breed that can be left aside away from the family or alone for long periods of time. Havanese love to cuddle and be close by. Do you have time to train, exercise and play? All dogs need training and basic manners if they are to grow up to be the delightful companions you are dreaming of. Though the exercise needs of Havanese are minimal; they do still need some. Havanese are quite active indoors and very playful. The profuse coat sheds less than many other breeds but does need a lot of grooming. Do you have the time and inclination to groom several times a week and/or the funds to pay for regular visits to the groomers?
Costs of Havanese ownership
Dogs can be expensive to own and upkeep. Even with only the basics, the bills can add up. Have you honestly looked at all of the things a dog will need; early on as a puppy and for the next 14 or more years. The following lists outline some of the things you should anticipate. Aside from the purchase price of your Havanese puppy (possibly $1800.00 - $3000 for a pet/companion puppy), you can expect expenses of about $1200 for the first year and $600-$750 yearly after that. These expenses cover only the basics and do not include unforseen illness and injury, nor kennelling costs during holidays, nor advanced training required for campaigning or trialing a dog in assorted activities.
You will need two or more collars as your puppy grows and at least one leash. Having three leashes is not unusual; you may find yourself with a 4' walking leash, a 6' training leash and a 25' retractable exercise leash. A crate is indispensable for housebreaking, car travel, holidays, as well as a safe haven for your dog. You will also need two bowls, one for food and one for water. Grooming supplies include a brush, comb, nail clippers, file, quick stop, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste. Most Havanese may benefit from the occasional attentions of a professional groomer. A Havanese kept in a short coat may need to be clipped every 3 months while a long coat may need frequent attention to keep the coat tangle free. Do you know how to train and care for your Havanese? Books are a great source of information for many new owners. You should consider buying a book of basic dog care as well as one about training. Obedience school is an excellent idea, particularly for first time dog owners. One or more sessions of puppy classes and beginner obedience will help you train your Havanese to be a well behaved pet. All dogs need toys of their own, some of these you can make inexpensively at home. Bought toys can cost anywhere from $2-$25 each depending on your selection. Some of these items may last you several years or even for the lifetime of the dog. Food and treats need to be on the list as well. As you can see, the list grows very quickly.
The first year brings with it rather extensive veterinary care with checkups, inoculations and medications for worms, heartworm and fleas, and of course having your pet spayed or neutered. Some owners may choose to invest in pet insurance to help with unforseen veterinary costs. Ongoing dog maintenance includes Vet checks, inoculations, medication for Heartworm and fleas, pet insurance, licence fees, feeding, grooming as well as the replacement of miscellaneous items. There are a number of other things that you might choose to add on as the years go by: more reference books, a magazine subscription and/or becoming a member of a breed club or kennel club. Extra grooming supplies that can be added to the basics are a grooming table and dryer as well as a larger selection of brushes and combs. Or how about a pet bed for your pampered pup and more toys to play with. Many people enjoy giving their pets special treats and gifts for birthdays and other special occasions. You can be as basic or extravagant as your choices and pocket book allow.
A Havanese will be part of your family for 12-15 years or more. It only makes sense to devote time and thought into getting just the right puppy. Hopefully, you have already looked up breed descriptions for general information and photos, read the breed standard, and perhaps contacted one of the breed clubs for detailed information as well as breeder referrals. Contact several breeders and visit their homes/kennels if possible. Talk to them to find out about their knowledge, ideals and breeding practices. Ask questions, and check references. These questions are important when buying any dog. Answers to these questions along with referrals and references will help to ensure that you are buying a well bred puppy from a reputable ethical breeder. At all costs, avoid puppy mills and pet shops. Many puppies from these sources have numerous temperament and health problems. Spare yourself the heartache and costly vet bills. As Havanese become more popular, there may be unscrupulous breeders looking more to quantity and profit rather than quality and the best interests of the breed. So how do you find that great breeder? Click to find sample questions to ask a breeder.
Responsible Havanese breeders will ask numerous questions to ensure they place their puppies in the best possible homes. The more they know about you, the better they can select the Havanese puppy which is the best match for you and your family. Some breeders may have a questionnaire for you to fill out. You may be asked questions about previous or current pet ownership, home structure, environement, children, allergies, work, outside responsibilities and much more.
Be honest with your breeder about any plans/expectations you have for your Havanese. Are you primarily wanting a loving companion? or do your plans include showing, breeding, agility, obedience, therapy etc? Not all puppies are right for everyone. All Havanese have bright sparkling personalities, but there are variations, even within a litter. Differences can be subtle. One puppy may be quieter and more reserved while his littermate is more lively and curious. A reputable Havanese breeder is knowledgeable about the breed. Experience gives them a pretty good idea of how a certain puppy might mature. While an especially lively, bouncy Havanese puppy might be an ideal candidate for an agility enthusiast, the same puppy might be a handful for an elderly couple. By the same token, a quiet gentle cuddly puppy might be a perfect match for this couple but be a disappointment to someone whose goal is performance events.
Responsible breeders breed Havanese because they love and admire the breed and strive to
improve it. They feel
responsibility through the lifetime of each pup, so they follow up frequently, and may want
regular pictures and
updates. A truly responsible ethical breeder cares where his puppies grow up and makes every
effort to ensure that
all puppies are placed in loving suitable homes. Some unscrupulous breeders will tell the
unsuspecting person
anything he wants to hear. It really is "buyer beware". The more homework you do, the better off
you will be.
Once you have chosen a breeder, then it is time to get on their waiting list and perhaps place a deposit for a puppy. Don't expect to have your puppyright away, you may have to wait a bit. Use your waiting time wisely; it's a good time to find out about veterinarians, groomers and obedience schools. You may also choose to start to buy some of your supplies. Read up on different methods of training. All this research, preparation and planning will pay off. When your special puppy arrives you will be ready.
Best of luck in finding that special new addition to your family.